What is the difference between enthalpy heat exchangers from different manufacturers?
Enthalpy Heat Exchangers for Ventilation Units – Comparison
At Rekupex, we offer enthalpy heat exchangers for a wide range of ventilation units from various manufacturers. We continuously expand our range to cover as many commonly used ventilation systems on the market as possible.
Our customers also play an important role in expanding the product range by helping us identify new types of ventilation units and their compatible enthalpy heat exchangers. Thanks to this cooperation, we can continuously develop our offer and adapt it to the real needs of users. Thank you for your feedback and suggestions.
To make it easier for you to understand the differences between enthalpy exchangers from RECUTECH, ZERN Engineering, CORE, and AIRWOODS, we have prepared a clear technical comparison of exchangers of the same size 366 × 366 × 400 mm, which can be directly compared thanks to their identical dimensions.
The overview also includes three key diagrams, which make it possible to compare exchanger behavior depending on the air volume flow rate:
- pressure drop at different air flow rates
- heat transfer efficiency
- moisture transfer efficiency
Technical Comparison Diagrams
Click on the diagram to open the high-resolution detail.
Pressure drop vs. air volume flow rate
Heat transfer efficiency
Moisture transfer efficiency
Input conditions according to EN 308:2022
- Outdoor air temperature: 5 °C
- Outdoor air relative humidity: 72 %
- Extract air temperature: 25 °C
- Extract air relative humidity: 50 %
The results were obtained using the selection and design software of the individual manufacturers.
Comparison of Enthalpy Heat Exchangers (366 × 366 × 400 mm)
The input parameters are unified according to EN 308:2022, unless stated otherwise. For AIRWOODS, different input values according to the manufacturer’s documentation were used, therefore the inputs differ.
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| Parameter | CORE F-ERV 366 | ZERN EC-EX6 366 | RECUTECH METALPIC RKF+16 | AIRWOODS WXL-LB 366* |
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| Input conditions | ||||
| Outdoor air temperature [°C] | 5 | 5 | 5 | -5 |
| Outdoor air relative humidity [%] | 72 | 72 | 72 | 25 |
| Extract air temperature [°C] | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Extract air relative humidity [%] | 50 | 50 | 50 | 80 |
| Performance at air volume flow rate of 150 m³/h | ||||
| Pressure drop [Pa]¹ | 28 | 37,65 | 25,18 ⭐ best | 29,9 |
| Temperature efficiency [%]¹ | 84,1 | 82,36 | 87,1 ⭐ best | 85,75 |
| Moisture efficiency [%]¹ | 70,9 | 58,96 | 66,5 | 75,73 ⭐ best |
| Performance at air volume flow rate of 400 m³/h | ||||
| Pressure drop [Pa]¹ | 134 | 141 | 114 ⭐ best | – |
| Temperature efficiency [%]¹ | 77,5 | 71,4 | 78,3 ⭐ best | – |
| Moisture efficiency [%]¹ | 51,7 | 47,84 | 58 ⭐ best | – |
| Construction and materials | ||||
| Exchanger casing material | Unspecified plastic | HPS (High Pressure Structure) | Corrosion-resistant aluminum | Unspecified plastic |
| Exchanger construction type | Polymer plate exchanger | Polymer plate exchanger | Metal enthalpy heat exchanger ⭐ | Polymer plate exchanger |
| Enthalpy membrane carrier | The membrane is part of the supporting material | HPS (High Pressure Structure) | Aluminum carrier (expanded metal) | Plastic separators |
| Type of enthalpy membrane | Formable polymer membrane (integrated in the plates) | Polymer microporous membrane | Ion-exchange membrane (METALPIC) | Polymer microporous membrane |
| Transport packaging | Polystyrene protection + cardboard box | Polystyrene protection + cardboard box | Wooden transport crate (also suitable for storing the original exchanger) | Polystyrene protection + cardboard box |
| REKUPEX evaluation | ||||
| Overall evaluation | High efficiency at lower flow rates. Thanks to its low weight and smooth casing, it places minimal demands on installation. | Robust and mechanically durable construction. Good availability of dimensions for a wide range of ventilation units. | All-aluminum exchanger with METALPIC membrane. Excellent efficiency / pressure drop ratio. Highest heat transfer efficiency and, at higher air volume flow rates, also very good moisture transfer. | Proven exchangers used by a number of European unit manufacturers thanks to a good price / performance ratio. |
| Strengths | Very good moisture efficiency at lower air flow rates. Low weight. | Very solid workmanship and high mechanical durability. | Very good results at medium and higher flow rates. Low pressure drop across the entire range. | Favorable price while maintaining solid parameters. |
| Possibility of adapting exchanger dimensions | Limited | Limited | Very wide possibilities for adapting dimensions ⭐ | Limited |
| Availability of newly identified and less commonly used exchangers | Limited availability | Good availability | Excellent availability ⭐ | Limited availability |
| Note about the manufacturer | – | – | RECUTECH provides excellent customer and technical support, making it possible to effectively design, adapt, and integrate exchangers into a wide range of ventilation units. Thanks to the robust construction with an aluminum casing, the exchangers are also very suitable for retrofit applications and modernization of older ventilation units. | – |
| Certification and compliance | ||||
| Eurovent | – | – | YES | – |
| DIN ISO 9001:2015 | YES | YES | YES | – |
| Hygiene certificate | VDI 6022 | VDI 6022 | VDI 6022 | ANTI BACTERIAL + Antimicrobial test report |
| RoHS | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| REACH | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Data source and calculation | ||||
| Exchanger manufacturer | CORE GmbH | ZERN Engineering | RECUTECH | AIRWOODS |
| Availability (sales) | www.rekupex.cz | www.rekupex.cz www.rekupex.de |
www.rekupex.cz www.rekupex.de |
On request by e-mail: info@rekupex.cz |
| Calculated size | 366 × 366 × 400 mm | 366 × 366 × 400 mm | 366 × 366 × 400 mm | 366 × 366 × 400 mm |
| Calculation software | Online (manufacturer’s website) | Online (manufacturer’s website) | Offline design selector | Offline design selector |
| Calculation date | 3 March 2026 | 3 March 2026 | 3 March 2026 | 3 March 2026 |
⭐ best value in the given category
¹ The values were determined based on calculations in the manufacturers’ selection programs under the input conditions defined by EN 308:2022.
* Different input values according to the manufacturer’s documentation were used for AIRWOODS.
REKUPEX Recommendation
Based on our long-term experience with the design and integration of enthalpy heat exchangers into various types of ventilation units, we particularly recommend RECUTECH exchangers, which stand out thanks to their very good efficiency / pressure drop ratio, robust construction, and above all excellent technical support from the manufacturer.
Thanks to this cooperation, the exchangers can be easily adapted to a wide range of ventilation units, including retrofit installations in older equipment.
Which Enthalpy Heat Exchanger Should You Choose?
The comparison shows that individual manufacturers optimize their exchangers for different operating conditions. Some exchangers achieve very good results especially at lower air volume flow rates, while others are optimized for medium and higher air flow rates.
When choosing an enthalpy heat exchanger, it is therefore important to consider not only the efficiency itself, but also pressure drop, exchanger construction, compatibility with the ventilation unit, the possibility of adapting dimensions, and the availability of replacement exchangers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enthalpy Heat Exchangers
What is the difference between an enthalpy heat exchanger and a standard heat recovery exchanger?
An enthalpy heat exchanger transfers not only heat, but also part of the moisture from the extract air to the supply air. This helps maintain a more comfortable indoor humidity level, especially during the winter season.
What is the typical efficiency of an enthalpy heat exchanger?
The temperature efficiency of modern enthalpy heat exchangers usually ranges approximately between 75–90 %.
The moisture transfer efficiency is usually lower and generally ranges approximately between 40–75 %.
Both values are significantly influenced by the exchanger design, membrane quality, and especially the air volume flow rate at which the exchanger is operated.
Can an enthalpy heat exchanger be installed in an older ventilation unit?
Yes, at RekupeX we not only sell exchangers, but also technically adapt them for specific ventilation units. We manufacture our own sealing and mounting profiles, and if necessary we also produce reduction casings. Thanks to this, we can offer an enthalpy replacement even for older ventilation units, where compatibility may at first glance appear problematic. A typical example is exchangers for Atrea units.
Note: The technical data and graphs presented in this overview were prepared based on the technical documentation of the individual manufacturers and the results of their selection or design tools. Although we have made every effort to ensure maximum accuracy, individual values may vary depending on the specific operating conditions, unit configuration, or updates to the data provided by the manufacturers.
The stated REKUPEX evaluation is based on our long-term practical experience with the design, sale, and integration of enthalpy heat exchangers into various types of ventilation units.
If any manufacturer identifies an inaccuracy or has a comment regarding the stated data, we will be grateful for the notice and will be happy to adjust the data.
If you are unsure which enthalpy heat exchanger is suitable for your ventilation unit, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you choose the right solution.